Description
A hearty and comforting Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and meat sauce mixture.
- Transfer half of the ziti mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over it.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Cook the ziti pasta a little less than the package suggests, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian